WESTLOCK – The Westlock Municipal Aerodrome Response Plan (ERP), a framework for how emergencies and disasters are dealt with, was approved by Westlock County council on March 11.
The ERP outlines procedures to co-ordinate the response of aerodrome services and other agencies in the surrounding area that could help respond to an emergency on, or in the vicinity of, the aerodrome.
“It’s been reviewed by first responders by both our organization and the Town of Westlock to make sure it’s compliant with the regional framework,” Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky told council.
“I think it’s great,” said Coun. Sherri Provencal.
The ERP identifies a wide range of hazards, including aircraft collisions, fires, explosions, toxic emissions, medical emergencies, crime-related incidents, and mechanical, structural, or technical failures. Additionally, it covers severe weather events such as high winds, heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, natural disasters, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and blizzards, as well as wildlife-related incidents.
The activation of the ERP starts with a 911 call from a member of the public, airport staff, or a pilot. An incident commander would then contact the airport manager to inform that an emergency has occurred at the aerodrome and to close the aerodrome. If the airport manager is at the aerodrome when the incident occurs they might inform emergency services of the incident. The aerodrome will monitor the operating frequency to warn incoming traffic.
If the command and control of the incident exceeds a level five incident then Westlock County would be notified to activate their Emergency Response Plan.
The Transport Canada Aerodrome Standards (AC 302-025) outline minimum requirements for communication procedures, radio frequencies, and passenger/crew evacuation in emergencies. The ERP adheres to these standards and aligns with the Westlock County/Town of Westlock Emergency Management Plan and the Regional Emergency Management Plan. These plans follow the Incident Command System (ICS Canada) for coordinated emergency response.
Westlock County manages the Westlock Aerodrome, which is co-owned by the county and the Town of Westlock. An aerodrome refers to any location where there are aircraft operations, including takeoffs, landings, and maintenance.
The Westlock Aerodrome in south of Highway 18 and along Range Road 260, about seven kilometres east of Westlock. It has one runway, multiple connective taxiways, and one apron.
It’s open to the public with various aircraft facilities and aerodrome buildings and is primarily a GA facility with usage by Medevac, military helicopter training, flight training and accessible for search and rescue operations.
